16 September 2012
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Reading were given a demonstration in Premier League football this afternoon at the Madejski Stadium - going down 1-3 to Spurs. If anything the scoreline flattered the Royals who were 0-3 down until the last minute when Robson-Kanu grabbed a consolation. After being genuine contenders against Chelsea in our last league showing - 25 days ago - it was back to reality today as the Royals struggled to compete. The visitors were superior in every department, created a whole load of chances and looked comfortable throughout. Robson-Kanu's late goal was followed with a strong penalty appeal for the Royals with the last action of the game. It might have ended 2-3 but most of the home fans had already left at that point with the only possible outcome being defeat.
Federici's mystery injury was back giving McDermott the chance to try McCarthy in goal. McCarthy was immediately called into action as Spurs began their first half domination. An impressive double save kept the scores at 0-0 but it was only a matter of time before Spurs took the lead by making the most of their superior pace against Harte. The cross from the right was stuck home by the dangerous Defoe. Defoe could quickly have doubled the score with a superb touch that beat two Reading defenders to set himself up nicely - only to put his shot wide. McCarthy seemed to have been taking training tips from Federici and a careless half-kick set Spurs up another chance which they failed to take. Then there was a clearance off the line from Pearce as the traffic was only one way.
Reading's tactics of packing the midfield and leaving just Pogrebnyak up front had been spectacularly unsuccessful. Spurs dominated possession and long kicks up field continually failed to find targets - Gorkss only ever found a Spurs player. It was obvious to all and no surprise to see McDermott change things around at half time, bringing on Le Fondre to play with the Pog. For five minutes Reading were on top with Le Fondre looking lively. We won a few corners and looked like we might get back into the game. But it was short lived and Spurs soon took control, calmly passing it around leaving Reading short of ideas.
The second on 71 minutes was again from the right - Bale on the scoresheet from the resulting cross. And the third followed shortly afterwards as a long run from Defoe saw him secure a deserved second goal. Spurs were happy to then run down the clock and barely let Reading get a touch until a nice move secured the consolation. At least we pushed forward into injury time but it was little more than a token gesture.
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